Breast Density Awareness and Knowledge, and Intentions for Breast Cancer Screening in a Diverse Sample of Women Age Eligible for Mammography.

The objectives of this study were to assess breast density knowledge and breast density awareness, and to identify information associated with intention to complete routine and supplemental screening for breast cancer in a diverse sample of women age eligible for mammography. We quantitatively (self-report) assessed breast density awareness and knowledge (N = 264) in black (47.7%), Latina (35.2%), and white (17%) women recruited online and in the community. Most participants reported having heard about breast density (69.2%); less than one third knew their own breast density status (30.4%). Knowing their own breast density, believing that women should be notified of their breast density in their mammogram report, and feeling informed if being provided this information are associated with likelihood of completing mammogram. Intending mammogram completion and knowledge regarding the impact of breast density on mammogram accuracy are associated with likelihood of completing supplemental ultrasound tests of the breast. These findings help inform practitioners and policy makers about information and communication factors that influence breast cancer screening concerns and decisions. Knowing this information should prepare practitioners to better identify women who may have not been exposed to breast density messages.

Breast Density Knowledge and Awareness: A Review of Literature.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the literature on breast density knowledge and breast density awareness to explore what challenges are faced by this area of research. METHOD: A review of PubMED, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was performed. Studies were published in peer-reviewed journals (in all years available) and written in English. The broad search terms used were ["breast density"] AND ["knowledge" OR "awareness"]. Eligible articles were included in the final analysis after meeting the following inclusion criteria: (1) the records had to quantitatively examine and report breast density knowledge and awareness, (2) the number of participants in the sample had to be clearly specified, and (3) studies reporting differences in breast density knowledge and awareness between racial and ethnic groups were included in the review. RESULTS: Of the 277 articles identified, only 5 met inclusion criteria and addressed breast density knowledge and awareness. Characteristics of studies and results were examined. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to determine a pattern of breast density knowledge and awareness in women. More quality studies are needed that focus on how well women understand the relationship between breast density, breast cancer risk, and breast cancer screening, especially in diverse populations.